Caroline Darian, daughter of Gisèle Pelicot, has publicly linked her father’s actions to the influence of online pornography, emphasizing its role in a harrowing family saga that has left lasting scars. Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison for drugging his wife to death, Gisèle Pelicot. He was complicit in allowing her sexual abuse by hundreds of men. For almost a decade, Gisèle suffered the unthinkable, the trauma of over 200 rapes. This trauma has reverberated down to her whole family, leaving scars that run deep.
In her new book titled “I’ll Never Call Him Dad Again,” Caroline sheds light on the profound impact her father’s actions have had on their family dynamics. Using a pen name that combines her brothers’ names, Florian and David, she articulates the complex emotions surrounding her father’s heinous acts. As each family member has dealt with the events in their own way, their responses uncover a range of reactions to the trauma.
Caroline’s advocacy for her mother is underscored by her belief that Gisèle’s reluctance to openly support her may have been an instinctual protective measure. Caroline has been a passionate advocate for continuing to share Gisèle’s story. She understands that her mother’s lived experiences and survival tactics deeply shaped how they maneuvered their relationship through the storm.
The consequences of Dominique Pelicot’s actions extend beyond emotional distress. Caroline’s son sought therapy for nearly four years after learning about his grandfather’s crimes. Caroline wants to raise a son who understands consent. She hopes to teach values that can save others from finding themselves in situations like this one.
Speaking at a recent appearance at the Hay Festival, Caroline offered an especially potent reminder of this truth. She talked about the power of online pornography to normalize violent behavior and abuse. She explained that these types of content play a role in desensitizing people and leads to an environment where abuse is more easily accepted. This claim is extremely significant to the arc of her tale. Her goal is to promote a better understanding of the harms posed by readily available adult content.
Gisèle Pelicot’s story of surviving and persevering are powerful reminders of resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedies. The family continues to struggle with the legacy of Dominique’s actions. Yet, with each member of the cast, we see their individual struggles as they fight for peace and recovery. Caroline and her brothers continue to advocate for the awareness of sexual abuse and its reach on a greater scale.